Gallego Files Legislation to Hold Members of Congress Accountable in Event of Government Shutdown

Two separate bills would suspend pay for Members of Congress and protect national security and Veterans during a shutdown
Washington, D.C.: Congressman Pete P. Gallego (TX-23) tonight filed two bills that hold lawmakers accountable in the event of a government shutdown.

The first – The Shutdown Member of Congress Pay Act of 2013 – would suspend pay for Members of Congress in the event of a government shutdown.

“Congress should work around-the-clock, and do so without pay, to keep the government running,” said Congressman Gallego. “Putting the full faith and credit of the United States at risk should never be a debating point.  A shutdown should not even be on the table – this is not rocket science.”

The second – The Preserve our National Security Act – would add protections for uniformed and civilian personnel at the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Homeland Security – including Border Patrol Agents and CBP officers at ports of entry – as well as employees of the Intelligence agencies to ensure national security is not at risk in the event of a government shutdown.

“I’m appalled that extremists would hold the government, many of its employees, and even our border security hostage all for the sake of politics,” said Congressman Gallego. “My legislation would ensure that our Veterans and our security are not at risk should extremist succeed in shutting down the government.”